Head Start Program Hosts Transition to Kinder & Male Hero Event

Head Start Program Hosts Transition to Kinder & Male Hero Event

MVSD’s Head Start and Early Head Start Program recently hosted a Male Hero Night and Transition Workshop for parents and family members of students in the preschool program. Dads, grandfathers, uncles, cousins, brothers and other male figures were celebrated “Superhero” style and were encouraged to flex their MUSCLE (Men Understanding Small Children’s Learning Experience) at the interactive event. The large crowd enjoyed the hero themed event which included breakout sessions, photos, a boxed dinner, and fun activities for the families.

The Head Start staff facilitated the transition workshop to help parents and students with the transition from preschool to kindergarten. Participants were able to attend four sessions including How to help your child get ready for kindergarten; Parents Rights and Responsibilities, The important role of father’s in a child’s education, and How to advocate for your child.

Leading the session on getting ready for kindergarten was school psychologist, David Avalos and Head Start teacher, Elizabet Macuil. They shared some tips to alleviate anxiety of students and parents when transitioning to kindergarten.

“Having your child in preschool will make a big difference as they move on to kindergarten,” said Avalos. “They are already used to getting up in the morning and coming to school and are exposed to the school routine."

Avalos encouraged the parents to read with their children at least one hour a week to build literacy skills.

“The number one predictor of school success is literacy and reading speed is a predictor of good grades,” he said. “It’s important to introduce reading early and work on it at home. You can go to the public library or any of our school libraries have extended hours.”

Roberto Lopez, MVSD’s Director of Student Support Services and Special Education led the session on Parents’ Rights and Responsibilities and provided an overview of the services students with special needs are entitled to.

Providing words of inspiration for the dads in attendance, was George Schonborn, MVSD’s Director of Pupil Personnel Services.

“Positive interaction between a father and child is so important and studies show when fathers are involved and engaged with their child, the child does better in school and their social skills and confidence goes up,” said Schonborn. “Be sure to be involved with your children during their school years and beyond. They will always need you. Congratulations on being here – your role is extremely important in the life of a child.”

At the conclusion of the event, each family went home with a superhero sack full of educational resources and books.